Thursday, February 06, 2014

Review: The January Wish by Juliet Madison

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Tarrin's Bay #1
Publication Date: 1st January 2014
Pages: 173
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrin’s Bay Wishing Festival, it's the most out of character action she can think of. Hers is not a life of wishes. Hers is a controlled life of order, plans and preparation…of science and research and diagnosis and treatment. But her past has been weighing on her mind, and decisions made long ago have far-reaching consequences. 

A week later, the daughter she secretly gave up for adoption at sixteen arrives in Sylvia's small coastal town with secrets that can't be shared. Between feelings of guilt, gossip, and a growing attraction to an emotionally unavailable colleague, Sylvia's well-ordered life is soon thrown into chaos. She is no longer alone, and for the first time she feels as if her world is open to possibilities. 

They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered.

My Thoughts: 
The January Wish is a sweet, easy read but not without substance, likable characters with interesting back stories round out the story. 

Sylvia's ordered life takes a leap into new territory when she makes a wish at the Tarrin's Bay Wishing Festival and Grace, the daughter she gave up for adoption re-enters her life. I was surprised by how much I liked Sylvia and her obsessive, controlling personality, she does manage to keep her 'uptight' under tight rein but it was nice to see her relax a bit over the course of the novel. I warmed to newly arrived naturopath Mark immediately but Grace was my favourite ... a fresh, spring breeze. 

Slow blossoming romance is not the sole focus of the story, there's relationship growth for a number of a key characters, at the forefront Sylvia and Grace. My only complaint; stilted dialogue interrupted the easy flow of the story just a little.

I loved the setting, it was so easy to picture the small coastal town of Tarrin's Bay with the quirky Mrs May's Bookstore and upbeat Cafe Lagoon.  

My first time reading Australian author Juliet Madison but I'm already looking forward to February Or Forever. Fingers crossed we get to stay in touch with these characters as the series progresses. 


Connect with Juliet Madison




12 comments:

  1. I probably wouldn't be able to read this one -- I have a hard time with adoption stories :)

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  2. This sounds like a lovely read and the cover is so pretty. Another title to add to the ever growing 'wish list' pile!

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    1. maybe a little 'lighter' than your usual read Karen but I think you'd enjoy it. I've finished February or Forever and it's good too

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  3. probably a little too chick lit for me but sounds good ;)

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  4. I love stories about people reconnecting...and it sounds like the settings are gorgeous. I like imagining myself in beautiful settings....thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Laurel. The January Wish definitely ticks a few of your boxes ... a 'feel good' re-connection story and lovely setting, hope you give it a try.

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